The $650,000 vehicle was gifted to the Salinas Police Department
from the government through the 1033 program, which redistributes
used equipment to other agencies. According to KSBW, the truck
was used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to numerous outlets, police stated their SWAT team was
in desperate need of a new vehicle. KSBW added that the new
truck, built to withstand rifle fire and minefield explosions,
has already aided officers looking to arrest a dangerous suspect.
The individual was apparently spotted via the vehicle’s high
observation deck.

While Police Chief Kelly McMillin believes the vehicle
“provides a high capability of protection for our officers
and the community,” other members of the community have been
outspoken in their disagreement.

Posting on the police department’s Facebook page, citizens
criticized the acquisition as excessive, as well as a sign of the
militarization of law enforcement.

“That vehicle is made for war,” wrote one commenter.
“Do not use my safety to justify that vehicle,” another
one wrote. “The Salinas Police Department is just a bunch of
cowards that want to use that vehicle as intimidation and to
terrorize the citizens of this city.”

“To stop gang members?” asked a commenter. “Hmmm
gang members don't riot in mass numbers. It's right in front of
our faces and we don't see it. Why would the ARMY!!! give
something like that for FREE!!! Let's think for once
people.”

In an interview with the Salinas Californian, McMillin said he
wasn’t surprised at the reaction. However, he disagreed with the
charge that the truck’s arrival suggested a more militant police
force.

“An allegation that we are militarizing has to be that we
were patrolling the streets in platoons in greater numbers, that
we were setting up checkpoints and searching people in and out of
neighborhoods,” he said.

McMillin acknowledged that the truck looks intimidating, but
insisted it would only be used to protect officers and citizens
alike. As commenters continued to criticize the move, however,
the police chief took to Facebook and made another statement.

“Every man and woman in the Salinas Police Department took an
oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United
States,” he said. “We take that oath seriously. I thank
God we live in a country where we can have this conversation,
challenge each other, and challenge the government on how it does
its job. Even though I may not agree with all of you, thanks for
having a civil discussion.”